England vs Australia 5th ODI: Match Preview
England will aim to inflict the first 5-0 series whitewash over Australia, across any format, when these two sides face each other in the fifth and final ODI match at Old Trafford in Manchester. England are up 4-0 in the series and have played some top notch cricket so far, as they go into the fixture as clear favorites. Here is the pre-match report.
England have outplayed Aussies
In the 4 ODIs played till now, the visitors have been outplayed quite significantly. England batsmen have been in a different dimension, as they have sent Australian bowlers on a leather hunt in all the four ODIs. A win for England will see them get to a 9-1 win-loss tally over the world champions in 2018. England's all-round show has been the pivotal factor.
Can England top-order strike the chords?
England top three are enjoying the best form of their lives and together the likes of Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales have been the architects of English dominance. Roy has been in top form and has amassed two centuries and a fifty in his last three games. The contribution of Bairstow has been superb, as well, with 288 runs in 4 matches.
Struggling Australia need magic to revive
Tim Paine hasn't been able to lead the side well. Further, he has not performed with the bat as well. The inexperienced Aussies still have several senior faces in the side and the heavy losses are inexcusable. Australia need a magical performance from their batsmen as well as bowlers if they want to stop England's march. But will they be able to?
TV listing, timing, Pitch talk and condition
The match is scheduled for a 3:30 PM IST start. One can watch the match live on the Sony Ten network. The match can also be streamed live on Sony LIV app. Runs are expected to flow in Manchester with a a warm day predicted.
